News Articles – July 8, 2001

ESPN.com
7/08/01

I’m here and ready to take your questions!!!!

Victoria (GCS): Jackie what do you and your team have in store for the Houston Comets? You are my role model as a rookie and I hope to become like you and play just the way you do. Best of luck!

Jackie Stiles: It will be very tough playing them. They are a great team and can hurt you in so many ways. We have to play 40 minutes on both sides of the ball.

Andrea, Labette Co. KS: First of all thanks for showing everyone that a small town Kansas girl can make it big!! How does it feel having every girl in America who plays basketball admiring you?

Jackie Stiles: First of all, it’s hard to believe so many people look up to me. I feel very fortunate to be in this position. I can remember people I looked up to taking to me and I’m glad I can do that for others.

Beth (St. Louis): After being named an All-Star, what is next? Do you think about Rookie of the Year? Jackie Stiles: Well, I never focus on those individual things. I just want to help the team win, whether with the score or distributing the ball. I just want to make the playoffs.

Mike (Vancouver, WA): Hi Jackie! How’s life in Portland treating you so far? What’s on tap once the season’s over (i.e. playing abroad, school, etc.)? Thanks.

Jackie Stiles: I really love the city of Portland and the surrounding area. I really think Portland is a perfect fit for me as far as basketball and living here. I plan to finish my degree in Education. I will stay in shape also.

jordan{salisburyMd): How do u manage to score so many points every game?

Jackie Stiles: I don’t know .. I’ve always had a scorers mentality. All of my teams needed me to score so I really developed that part of my game. I’m able to maintain it because of my work ethic. I just continue to work hard every year.

Austin(KC): Hey Jack, why do you always rub the tops of your shoes several times before taking a free throw?

Jackie Stiles: I didn’t know I do that!! I think it’s a nervous habit. I wipe my shoes off because I want good traction, but I didn’t realize I do it on free throws.

KimArt (Phoenixville): What has surprised you the most about playing in the WNBA?

Jackie Stiles: I think the biggest adjustment or suprise was the schedule. All the traveling, in and out of airports and hotels. Thats a big difference from college, it’s so hectic.

Fire10: Jackie, How does it feel to be a rookie and be in the all star game. Good Luck this Year .GO FIRE

Jackie Stiles: I knew it would be a very tough transition and his has been. I learn things everyday, this whole season is a learning process. I’m just so honored to be picked to play. It came as a shock to me, but I still want to get better.

Amanda : Hey Jackie do you know if you will be coming out with a shoe anytime soon? (I told my coach if you did that would have to be our team shoe) P.S Thanks for all the great memories! Your Fans in Springfield will never forget you.

Jackie Stiles: Well, I don’t think they will give me my own shoe!! I think it’s a longshot. I’m trying to find a pair I like. I need to find a new pair. I appreiciate your comments!!

Steve (Springfield, MO): Were you surprised by the number of Southwest Missouri State fans who showed up in Indianapolis?

Jackie Stiles: Nothing surprises me anymore about their incredible support, it meant so much to me. It was like having the home court advantage.

ajm, Portland: From what I’ve seen the Team seems to gell pretty well! Is Vanessa as funny as she seems?

Jackie Stiles: I think that is what seperates us from other teams – our chemisty. We get along so well. Everybody just wants to win. She is so hilarious. She is the team comedian. Even when we are in tough times, no dull moments around her!

Laura (CT): So Jackie, here’s a non-basketball question: Do you think you’d be able to survive on one of those reality shows like “Survivor”?

Jackie Stiles: No, I probably wouldn’t. I’d last about a week!! I’m not the outdoors life. I have to have my curling iron.

Katie, Spokane: Is there a big difference in the level of college play and WNBA play and was it hard to adjust?

Jackie Stiles: It’s definitly a big difference. Just the newness of everything, new teammates, new coach, different systems, plus you are adjusting to the city. I feel like a freshman all over again.

LaToya: what is your most embaressing moment on the court?

Jackie Stiles: In high school .. I don’t know if I want to admit this, but we had played one quarter, and we had scored like 50 points, I though it was halftime so I ran into the lockeroom and my best friend follwed me. Then we realized it was only the end of the first quarter, we had another one to go!!!

Thanks so much for all the questions, I really appreciate all the support, sorry I couldn’t get to all of them. Be sure and watch the game tonight at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.